Making a Mark

As someone from rural Pennsylvania, walking into PPG Place on my first day as a Risk Advisory intern at Schneider Downs was surreal. 

It’s not like I hadn’t seen the building before, as I’ve driven past it countless times as a student at the University of Pittsburgh. There’s just something different about working in it. It feels like you’ve made it – made your mark, in a sense.

That’s the thing about Schneider Downs, too – you can make a mark. I started my first client engagement at the end of my first week. By the end of week three, I had worked on projects for three different clients. It sounds like a lot to have an intern involved to that degree. And it was. However, it never felt that way with all the support I had. There were many times when I simply turned to the person next to me and started asking questions. “What is this meeting on my calendar?” or “How do I test this control?”

The surprising part about this experience was the willingness of every person in the office to help me, offer advice and check in later. I never once felt alone in my work, and I didn’t realize just how important that aspect of an internship was until I had it.

It’s important to note that employment at Schneider Downs isn’t just all about work. It takes team building to create such a positive atmosphere, and I was able to jump right in during my first week as an intern by attending the Risk Advisory Services (RAS) Women’s Golf League. 

The first monthly golf outing was certainly my favorite event to participate in since it provided a fun day to connect with other women in the Risk Advisory practice. The best part? This is not the only women’s event that will be offered this summer. Throughout my internship, there will be a number of events provided for women in the firm, which makes it clear just how much Schneider Downs encourages female leadership. 

My Risk Advisory internship has already allowed me to grow both personally and professionally, and I can’t wait to see where the rest of the summer will take me. I am grateful for the numerous opportunities I have had to serve clients and learn more about the field of professional services. Summer 2023 will certainly be a chapter I look back on as a pivotal time of learning and development, courtesy of my internship at Schneider Downs.

Start Your Career with Schneider Downs 

You’ll find that it is our people who make Schneider Downs a special place to work. Personable and gifted, our diverse group of professionals includes some of the most respected professionals in their fields. To learn more about our open positions and internship programs, visit our careers page.